As if it knew

During the past few years I have been enjoying making photographs of dragonflies. Though I sometimes see them in unexpected places, I usually travel to nearby ponds and still, small lakes to find the gossamer-winged beauties. Today we spent on errands, traveling all about shopping for groceries, looking in on contractors preparing mom-in-law’s house for sale, buying a new office chair for She Who Must Be Obeyed. Arriving back at home, walking ’round the bend to our house what should I see but a big, beautiful dragonfly perched at eye-level, just to the left of our screen door! I hesitated a bit thinking the big insect would take flight as soon as I approached but no, it stayed put! I was carrying several items so I set them down on the porch, took my trusty G11 from its pouch, set it for macro and moved it. The dragonfly stayed put, even wiped its eye as I lined up shot after shot! Once I was sure I’d gotten as good images as I could, I slowly stretched out my finger and touched the resting flyer’s abdomen. Still, it stayed put! Our visitor stayed in place until I tried to place a piece of white paper under its wing in order to photograph the intricate details then off it went… but only about six feet higher on the same wall. Such a welcome visitor; it’s as if it knew it would be appreciated.

PS – Not long after this, we spotted the resident garter snake sunning itself among the barberry hedges. Hopefully the neighbors will leave mister snake alone.

Thanks, FS. I was amazed that the dragonfly allowed me to touch it without flying off. I wish our siding was more attractive because the insect was certainly beautiful. Sad thing to say –the bugs look better than your own house– but that’s the truth! — JG

Hi! Nice dragonfly picture! I guess watching dragon flies and damsel flies is becoming as popular as bird watching. The Cleveland Natural History Museum published a fantastic book of them from the area – oveer 300 kinds!

Thanks. Exploring area ponds a couple of years ago, there seemed to be a boom in dragonfly population. I started photographing the insects back then. I learned of the growing popularity of dragonfly watching only this summer when talking with a birdwatcher; I had no idea! The many varieties of dragonflies and damselflies, the coloration and other gender differences, and the fact that the insects are easier to approach than wild birds must make them attractive targets for birders. — JG